Thank you - Social Workers

World Social Worker Day is observed every year on the third Tuesday in March. I want to spotlight the essential, often underappreciated work of social workers, especially in clinical mental health. Social workers support children, families, and communities facing hardship. My experience working with licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) was in an acute inpatient psychiatric ward, where they prioritized patient care and coordinated multidisciplinary teams. I saw firsthand their impact as they brought together psychiatrists and therapists, and, if needed, coordinated with neurologists, physical and speech therapists, and nutritionists. I am grateful for their guidance and the spirit of collaboration they have taught me while working on the units.  

My sister works as an LCSW at an oncology center, supporting patients and families through cancer treatment and assisting medical staff. Although she cannot discuss specific cases for privacy reasons, I have deep respect for the supportive care she provides. The confidential nature of their work means social workers’ key contributions are often unseen—but their dedication ensures care continues.  

In private practice, I rarely work directly with social workers anymore, but I sometimes coordinate with LCSWs during psychiatric emergencies. Their integrity and resilience impress me, even though they receive little public recognition.  

Social workers are invaluable in healthcare for their systems expertise and ability to unify care teams. When I taught as a university instructor, I would encourage my undergraduate students who were interested in working in health care to explore the field of social work. As health care becomes more specialized, LCSWs are especially needed to help navigate care within complex health networks. If you are seeking care, ask directly whether a social worker is available to help with your specific needs. If your health system does not have a social worker, consider requesting one to management or patient services, as their support can be crucial.  

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